Ben Kindel is in stable condition following a medical episode on the Pittsburgh Penguins team plane on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The team was forced to return to Salt Lake City shortly after takeoff on Tuesday due to the incident involving the 19-year-old forward.
According to a statement from the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team plane returned to Salt Lake City International Airport shortly after departure on Tuesday. Team physician Dr. Dharmest Vyas of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the team's medical staff were on board and immediately attended to Kindel, who is currently in his second season with the Penguins.
An ambulance was waiting for the aircraft upon its arrival at the airport. Kindel was subsequently taken to the University of Utah Hospital for further evaluation. The Penguins stated that the player is currently conscious, alert, and in stable condition.
The Penguins played the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City on Monday, October 19, 2026. In their statement, the organization noted that the health and safety of their players and the privacy of their families are the team's top priority, adding that they will provide further updates when appropriate.
The Penguins are scheduled to next play against the Florida Panthers at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh on Thursday, October 23, 2026.
